The more glutamate found in the brains of those with RLS, the worse they sleep.

Although doctors may be able to reduce someone’s urge to move their legs during the night, they will often find that their patient continues to struggle with sleep.

That is what makes this such an interesting discovery.

The implication is that insomnia may not be a symptom of restless leg syndrome. Instead, the two conditions may be down to unusual activity in the thalamus – more specifically, elevated levels of glutamate.

Here’s hoping this research opens the way for new studies into better treatment options for RLS and insomnia.